Starting of internal-combustion engines



July 25, 1950 c. J. MOODY 2,516,787

STARTING 0F INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed June 16, 1948 3Sheets-Sheet 1 21 F G I INVENTOR. CLARK JMULZUY BYCQQQQMM y 5, 1950 c.J. MOODY 2,516,787

STARTING 0F INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed June 16, 1948 3 SheetsSheet2 llllllllHl llll ll I I 33 as 32 INVENTOR. CLARK JMUUJJY .ATTUHZYEYJuly 25, 1950 c J. MOODY s'ma'rmc 0F INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE 3Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 16, 1948 IN VEN TOR. C'LA RK J MUDDY.AT'TUHNEY I Y 6 7 6 B Patented July 25, 1950 OFFICE STARTING OFINTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENG INES

Clark J. Moody, New York, N. Y., assignor, by mesne assignments, toCalifornia Research Corporation, San Francisco, Calif., a corporation ofDelaware Application June 16, 1948, Serial No. 33,365

1 This invention relates to the starting of internal combustion enginesin cold weather. The starting of automobile and airplane engines underlow temperature conditions has long presented a problem. Many years agoautomobile engines were equipped with primer cups connected to theengine into which cups gasoline was poured and thence conducted to thecylinders to prime the latter for expediting the starting of the engine.For the past decade or more it has not been customary to equipautomobile engines with such cups.

The problem of starting automobile and airplane engines under frigidconditions, especially at temperature substantially below zero, has re--mained a source of considerable trouble and Fluid suitable for quicklystarting annoyance. internal combustion engines in frigid weather, attemperature as low as -40' F. has been available on the market for,several years. Such fluid contains ethyl ether as its major component.One mode of application of the fluid to the engine has been through apump mounted on the dash, and connected to a tank containing thestarting or priming fluid, for impelling the fluid through a suitableconnection to the intake manifold of the engine. Another method involvesthe use of a spray gun for injecting fluid from a supply tank through ahole in the manifold of a Diesel engine or through the air filter of agasoline engine.

The foregoing methods of starting internal combustion engines in coldweather involve storing substantial quantities of the starting orpriming fluid in a supply tank or container, as, for example, a galloncan or a three-pint can, from which fluid is transferred to a smallercan connected to the pump or spray gun. The fluid remaining in theopened gallon or three-pint can creates a storage hazard; while the canconnected to the pump or spray gun also stores fluid for repeated use.

The present invention obviates the hazards incident to the priorpractice in the storage of the inflammable and explosive starting orpriming fluid. The invention provides a charge of starting fluid,sutflcient for one starting of the engine, in a flexible container whichis discarded after a single use. More specifically, it provides a chargeof starting or priming fluid in a capsule of gelatinous material. Itfurther provides for the prompt and effective injection of the fluidinto the engine by merely rupturing the capsule.

Other features and advantages of the inven 8 Claims. (Cl. 123-187-5)tion will be hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings:

-Fig. 1 is a view in side elevation, partly in longitudinal section andpartly broken away,

showing an embodiment of a cup adapted for connection to the engine andfor disrupting the capsule containing priming-fluid, in accordance withmy invention.

Fig. 2 is a view in elevation, on an enlarged scale, showing apriming-fluid capsule.

Fig. 3 is a view in side elevation of an internal combustion engine withthe cup of Fig. 1 connected thereto.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but showing the capsule-receivingcup mounted on the dashboard of an automobile or other vehicle andconnected to the intake-manifold of the engine.

Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section of an alternative embodiment ofcapsule-receiving cup.

Fig. 6 is a view in side elevation, with parts in vertical section,showing means for mounting a capsule-receiving cup on a vehicledashboard.

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view showing a capsule-receiving cupmounted on a pump on a dashboard.

Fig. 8 is a view in vertical section of another modification of acapsule-receiving cup having provisions for readily adapting it forreceiving capsules of different sizes.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8, showing the cup of Fig. 8 incondition for receiving a capsule of larger size.

Figs. 10 and 11 are similar views showing said cup conditioned forreceiving capsules of still larger sizes.

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view showing a series of capsules of differentsizes which may be placed in the respective cups of Figs. 8-11,inclusive.

Referring to the drawings, the capsule shell 10 shown in Fig. 2 isformed of gelatinous material, such as a suitably plasticized commercialgelatin solution. Said gelatin solution may be the conventional one ofgelatin, glycerin, and water, the glycerin acting as a plasticizer ofthe gelatin. I have found that the conventional plasticized gelatincapsule shells employed for the marketing of bath oils are particularlywell adapted to serve as containers for the starting or priming fluid.

As previously noted, the major constituent of efi'ective cold-weatherstarting or priming fluid on the market is ethyl ether, which is highlyvolatile and combustible. I have taken conventional oil bath capsules,replaced their oil bath content by conventional ethyl ether startingfluid, and, after rescaling the capsules, subjected them to abnormallyhigh temperatures as well as to temperatures abnormally low. My testsshowed that the capsules retained their elasticity and preserved thestarting fluid effectively and without leakage, despite the abnormaltemperatures to which they were subjected.

In accordance with my invention, a quantity of priming or startingfluid, suflicient for one starting of an internal combustion engine, issealed within a capsule shell of suitable plastic mate rial such asabove referred to. One way in which the charge of priming fluid may bedischarged into the engine is shown in Fig. 1, wherein a primer cup IIcommunicates through passage I2 and a suitable pipe fitting I3 with theinterior of an internal combustion engine I4 (Fig. 3). As shown in Fig.3, the pipe I3 may conveniently be connected to a pipe section I3, whichin turn is fitted into a threaded hole provided in the intake manifoldI4 or any other desired portion of the engine I4 for communicating withthe interior of one or more of the cylinders. A rotatable valve I5 isprovided with an opening I6 movable into and out of registry with thepassage I 2, and carries on its outer end a suitable handle II. In theposition shown in Fig. 1, the passage I2 is blocked by said valve I5.handle I! normally maintains said valve in that position.

Extending upwardly in the cup II is a needle or puncturing tool I8 forrupturing the plastic capsule when the latter is inserted in the cup.Said puncturing tool I8 may be mounted in any suitable way in said cup.As shown in Fig. 1, it may conveniently have a curved or bowed extensionI9, attached to the side of the cup by a rivet 20. The cup II isprovided with a cover 2|, pivoted at 22, which cover may be ofwell-known type, continuously biased to closed position by a suitablespring (not shown) extending about the pivot 22.

In the operation of the cup arrangement shown in Fig. 1, the handle I!is operated to rotate the valve I5 to open communication between the cupand the pipe fitting I3 by way of the passage I2. The cover 2| is thenopened and the capsule containing the priming fluid is inserted by handinto the cup. During the insertion of the capsule, its lower endencounters the tool I8 and is punctured thereby in the further downwardmovement of said capsule. As soon as the capsule is fully inserted theoperator withdraws his hand, and the cover 2I is closed. The highlyvolatile priming fluid, released from the punctured capsule, proceedsdownwardly through passage I2 and fitting I3 into the intake manifold orother portion of the engine so that the latter may be quickly started.Prior to starting of the engine, the handle I! is operated to restorethe valve I5 to the closed position shown in Fig. 1. The rupturedcapsule may be withdrawn from the tool I8 and discarded at anyconvenient time after discharge of its contents.

As shown in Fig. 4, the cup I I may be mounted, on the dashboard 23 ofan automobile, airplane,

ormotor boat, through a pipe 24 extending from the fitting I3 to theintake manifold of the engine H. Y a

The weight of the In Fig.5 I have shown a modified embodiment,

4 top has perforations 28 which provide communication between theinterior of the cup and the interior of the pipe fitting 26. Saidfitting is connected by suitable piping to the intake mani fold of theengine, as in Fig. 3. or 4, for example.

Surrounding the top portion 21 of said fitting is a spring 29, seated atits lower end in the bottom of the cup and bearing at its upper endagainst a washer 30.

The exterior of the cup 25 is threaded, as shown at 3|, for cooperationwith interior screw threads 32 on the skirt or flange 33 of a cover 34.Projecting downwardly from said cover is a boss or extension 35, which,as the cover is screwed downwardly on the cup, presses downwardly uponthe upper end of a capsule I0 to force the lower end of said capsule onto the point of the puncturing cone 21. The cover 34 may be knurled, asshown. to facilitate turning thereof by hand.

A piercing element 36 projects downwardly from the cover boss 35, andmay be suitably attached thereto, as by a screw-threaded extension 36'of said piercing element.

In the operation of the cup shown in Fig. 5, the capsule I0 is insertedwith its lower end resting upon the washer 30. The cover 34 is thenapplied, and is rotated so as to move downwardly on the cup. Thedownwardly extending element 36 of said cover acts upon the upper end ofthe capsule to force the latter downwardly, compressing the spring 29,and bringing the lower end of the capsule against the tip of the cone21. As the downward movement of the cover 34 continues, the capsule ispunctured at both its upper and lower ends. Puncturing of the capsule atboth ends is found desirable, in the Fig. 5 arrangement, to insure thatthe capsule is thoroughly drained under the vacuum applied to theinterior of the tightly closed receptacle 25 during the operation of theengine. In the cranking of the engine by the starter the fluid contentsof the capsule pass quickly therefrom into the engine, with resultantprompt starting of the latter.

After the engine has been started, the cover 34 may be unscrewed fromthe primer cup 25. As the cover is unscrewed the washer is raised by thespring 29, and projects the punctured capsule upwardly so that theoperator may readily remove it from the cup.

In Fig. 6 there is illustrated a convenient form of means for mountingthe primer cup on a dashboard 31. Such mounting means comprises a block38, of wood or other suitable material, extending through and threadedin an opening in said dashboard. Said block may be held in place by nuts33 and 40 threaded on its opposite ends and engaging opposite sides ofthe dashboard 31. A cover 4| of metal or other desired material may beapplied over the front end of said block, as shown.

The block 38 has bored therethrough a downwardly inclined openingthrough which extends a pipe 42, threaded at opposite ends. At one endsaid pipe is threaded into a fitting 43,.having a curved passageway 44,into the upper end of which passageway there is threaded the lower endof the previously mentioned fitting 25. It will, of course, beunderstood that at its lower end the pipe 42 is connected through otherpiping (such as pipe 24 in Fig. 4) to the intake manifold or other partof the engine. a capsule in the cup 25 passes downwardly throughfittings 26 and 43, pipe 42, and connected piping to the engine to bestarted. .The

Thus the priming fluid released from block 38 provides an eifectivesupport for the pipe 42, fittings l8 and 28, and cup 25.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 7, there is mounted on the dash a pump48 of conventional design, operated by a plunger 81 through a knob 48readily grasped by the operator. The fitting 28 of primer cup 25 isthreaded into a fitting 49 (similar to fitting 48 in Fig. 6) andcommunicating with a pipe 58 threaded into said fitting. At its furtherend, said pipe communicates through an elbow ii and pipe section 52 withthe interior of the pump. The latter, in turn, communicates, throughconduit '53 and piping connected thereto, with the intake manifold orother portion of the engine to be started. The fitting 49 may, as shown,be mounted in a suitable clamp 54 fastened to the pump casing. The pipemay extend through aligned openings in the dash 45 and in suitable nuts55, 55 threaded on the pump for clamping the same firmly to the dash.

In the operation of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, the operatorinserts a capsule in the primer cup 25, closes the cover 34, and thenoperates the pump plunger l'I. The priming fluid thus is pumped from thecup 25, through pipe 5'.) and conduit 53, to the engine. Thisarrangement is particularly useful in installations where the engine isat the same or a higher level than the dashboard. as in airplanes.

Since diflerent sizes'of engines may require different amounts ofstarting fluid, the single-use capsules may be made in correspondinglydifferent sizes. For instance, in Fig. 12, there is indicateddiagrammatically at a capsule suitable for starting an engine of a lightautomobile. Capsule 6| shown as twice the size of capsule 68, may beused to start an engine of larger size, as for a heavier automobile or atruck. Capsule 62, three times the size of capsule 80, may be employedto start a still larger engine. The capsule 63, four times the size ofcapsule 80, may be used for an aeroplane engine. It will, of course, beunderstood that the capsule sizes may be varied as desired, inaccordance with the amounts of fluid required for starting differentengines.

In Figs, 8-11, I have shown a further embodiment of a primer cup orcapsule receptacle, arranged to accommodate readily different sizes ofcapsules. In Fig. 8, the cup or receptacle includes a lower puncturingtool 66, which may conveniently comprise a conical member 61 extendingoutwardly from a base member 68. The end of said cone opposite said basemember 83 forms a piercing projection. Below said projection said coneis open to the interior of the receptacle 65 through one or moreopenings 61' in said cone.

The base 68 has an extension 69, externally threaded for engagement witha correspondingly threaded opening in the lower wall portion 65' of intoa communicating passageway I0. It will of course be understood that saidpassageway I0 is placed in communication with the intake manifold of anengine, by suitable piping.

The base or flange 68 forms a seat for the lower end of a coil springII, the upper end of which spring supports a washer I2.

To insure drainage of the fluid from the interior of the receptacle 6!when the base 88 5 does not closely fit the side walls of the receptacle88 above the bottom wall portion 66', one or more drainage openings,such as shown at 69', may be provided in the extension 69 as shown. Saidopenings provide communication between the lower interior portion ofreceptacle 85 and the hollow interior of the extension 69. so that anyfluid in the lowermost part of said receptacle adjacent the flange 88may drain out through said openings 69'.

wardly extending boss or plunger portion I8, exteriorly threaded forengagement with interior threads in the upper portion of the receptacle.Said plunger has a threaded hole therein, which, in Fig. 8, receives thethreaded end I5 of a plunger extension 16. The latter, in turn has athreaded hole adapted to receive the threaded end 11 of a furtherextension or spacer I8.

The spacer I8 also is provided with a threaded hole in its lower end,receiving the threaded extension I9 of an upper puncturing tool 88. Saidpuncturing tool 80 may conveniently be of the same construction asdescribed above with respect to the puncturing tool 66. When no capsuleis in the receptacle 65, and the cover I3 is screwed completely intosaid receptacle, the parts above-described assume the position shown inFig. 8, wherein the upper puncturing tool 80 extends through an opening8| in the washer I2.

When the receptacle 65 in Fig; 8 is to be used for starting the engineto which it is connected. the cover I3 is unscrewed, and removed fromthe receptacle. The extensions I6 and I8, and tool 80, being secured tosaid cover, are of course removed with it. A capsule, such as shown at60, is then inserted into said receptacle so that the lower end of saidcapsule rests upon the washer I2. The unitary assembly of the cover I3,extensions I6 and I8, and tool 80, is then inserted and 45 the cover isscrewed downwardly into the receptacle. The tool 80 engages the upperend of the capsule and forces the latter downwardly, against the actionof the spring II, bringing the lower end of the capsule against thelower puncturing b0 tool 86, which then projects through the opening 8|in the lowered washer I2. As the downward movement of the cover I3 andtool 88 continues, the upper and lower ends of the capsule are puncturedby the tools 88 and 86, and the b5 volatile contents pass from thecapsule to the engine by way of the hollow interior of the threadedextension 89, and the passageway II).

If a capsule of larger size, such as the capsule 6|, is to be used, theintermediate extension I6 00 is detached from the cover plunger 14, andthe extension or spacer I8 is attached directly to said cover plunger,as shown in Fig. 9. The upper puncturing tool 80 is now spacedappropriately from the lower tool 66 for puncturing 0 said largercapsule as the cover I3 is screwed downwardly into the receptacle.

When a still larger capsule, such as capsule 62, is to be inserted inthe receptacle, the extension or spacer I8 is removed, and the end I9 ofthe tool 88 is screwed directly into the cover plunger I4, as shown inFig. 10.

For using a capsule of further increased size, such as capsule 83. anextension or adapter sleeve 83 is employed. This sleeve has an upperportion interiorly threaded for cooperation with the The cover I3 forthe receptacle 85 has a down r exterior threads on the cover plunger ll,and a lower portion ll exteriorly threaded to cooperate with theinterior threads in the upper part of the receptacle 3!. When saidcapsule of further increased size is to be used, the cover 13 andattached plunger I are removed from ,the receptacle, and the downwardextension 84 of the sleeve 88 is screwed into the receptacle, as shownin Fig. 11. Then, after insertion of the :apsule, the cover I3, withtoo] 80 directly attached thereto, is screwed downwardly into the upperportion of said sleeve 83. During said iownward movement of the cover13, the upper and lower tools 59 and 8 effect puncturing of :hecorresponding ends of the capsule.

For conveniently mounting the receptacle 55 )n the dashboard of anautomobile, the recep- ;acle may have formed integrally therewith a)racket 86 having laterally-extending flanges l1, I! provided with holes8! for the passage of aolts or screws.

In addition to the advantages of the various "eatures of my inventionhereinbefore referred 10, it will be noted that the capsules lendthemielves readily to speedy filling by conventional iutomaticmachinery.

When desired the capsules may be conveniently melted in sleeves ofcardboard or other suitable naterial, open at their ends, whereby thecrosssectional diameter of the capsules may be preierved despitepronounced increase in temperamm and the capsules may be readily fittedinto )rimer cups having substantially the same diam- :ter.

Where the volatile fluid contents of the capsule, is in the case of anethyl ether starting fluid, are

ieavier than air, the fluid contents readily passinder the influence ofgravity from the punc- ;ured capsule into the engine manifold. In theevent that it is desired to admit air to the re- :eptacle, as where theengine manifold is at a iigher level than the receptacle for thecapiule, and a pump is employed as in Fig. '7, it will re apparent thatan air inlet valve of any suitis or conventional type may be provided ina :ide wall of the receptacle for admitting air ihereto while at thesame time preventing the scape of fluid from the receptacle to theexternal itmosphere.

The upper puncturing tool 35 for the recepacle 25, in Fig. 5, may ifdesired be of the same :onstruction as that of the puncturing tool 88.

The terms and expressions which I have emloyed are used as terms ofdescription and not |f limitation, and I have no intention, in the we ofsuch terms and expressions, of excluding my equivalents of the featuresshown and de cribed or portions thereon, but recognize that 'ariousmodifications are possible within the cope of the invention claimed.

I claim:

1. In combination, a charge of priming fluid or an internal combustionengine, and a singleuse gelatinous capsule containing said charge.

higher volatility than gasoline, and a llIIBlB-uoo- 5. A primer cup forinternal combustion en'- gines, said cup having a chamber forcommunication with said engine and adapted to receive a priming-fluidcapsule, a piercing element in said cup adapted to engage the lower endof said capsule, a cover movable into and out of said cup, a piercingelement attachable to said cover for engaging the upper end of saidcapsule, and

means comprising an adapter element movablewith respect to said lastmentioned piercing element and insertible into said cup for varying thedistance of said last mentioned piercing element from the firstmentioned piercing element to ac commodate capsules of varying sizes.

6. A primer cup for internal combustion engines, said cup having achamber for communication with said engine and adapted to receive apriming=fluid capsule, a piercing element in said cup adapted to engagethe lower endof said capsule, a cover movable into and out 01' said cup,an adapter sleeve insertible into said cup and having an upper portionfor receiving said cover, and a piercing element carried by said coverfor engaging the upper end of said capsule.

7. In combination, a charge of priming fluid containing ethyl ether, anda single-use gelatinous capsule containing said charge.

8. In combination, a primer cup having an REFERENCES CITED The followingreferences are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,526,838 Dart Feb. 17, 19251,592,953 Midgeley, Jr. July 20, 1926 2,018,570 Poetschke Oct. 22, 19352,364,356 Greathous'e Dec. 5, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date2,252 Great Britain of 1913 32,684 France of 1927 (addition to 826.458)

